Home Skillet

I don't know what's more shocking—the sudden end to my marriage, or the fact that I'd married a woman at all. But now I'm broke and homeless, kicked out of my Upper West Side apartment while my ex-wife walks away with everything we've ever worked for.

So what's an executive chef stripped of his dignity gonna dSometimes the only way to move forward… is to go back.

JAMES

I don't know what's more shocking—the sudden end to my marriage, or the fact that I'd married a woman at all. But now I'm broke and homeless, kicked out of my Upper West Side apartment while my ex-wife walks away with everything we've ever worked for.

So what's an executive chef stripped of his dignity gonna do?

Go back to Jersey with his tail between his legs, that's what.

BEN

I can’t say that spending a decade pining after my best friend was the best use of my time. While I'd pretty much become an expert at the whole unrequited love thing, I'd resigned myself to the fact that Jimmy and I were never gonna happen. But when Jimmy turned up on my doorstep in his hour of need, I jumped at the chance to offer him my bed—er, couch. I mean, what are friends for, right?

Now that he's released from the shackles of matrimony, I can't wait to show him exactly what he's been missing out on all these years.

What I didn't anticipate was him showing me that maybe I'd been missing out too. ...more

Community Reviews

I received this ARC from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

I really really liked this book... other than James' propensity to have his head stuck up his ass I absolutely loved both him and Ben. They are complex and interesting people. The story itself was just a tiny bit slow at the beginning, but once it pick up the pace was great. I felt like the drama in the story was appropriate and used well in the right places. I especially loved the ending it was so sweet and awesome. I thI received this ARC from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

I really really liked this book... other than James' propensity to have his head stuck up his ass I absolutely loved both him and Ben. They are complex and interesting people. The story itself was just a tiny bit slow at the beginning, but once it pick up the pace was great. I felt like the drama in the story was appropriate and used well in the right places. I especially loved the ending it was so sweet and awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! ...more

I was in elementary school in the mid-90s, so I was more of a 90s kid than a 90s teen, but I was still excited to read this historical (<--- can you believe that!) story.

I like Cate Ashwood, though I've never loved a story from her, but I've never read Sandra Damien before. I'll have to read more from her to make a full decision.

Home Skillet wasn't a bad story, but I couldn't help feeling like something was missing. I didn't get that sense of chemistry between the two MCs (Ben was a total pI was in elementary school in the mid-90s, so I was more of a 90s kid than a 90s teen, but I was still excited to read this historical (<--- can you believe that!) story.

I like Cate Ashwood, though I've never loved a story from her, but I've never read Sandra Damien before. I'll have to read more from her to make a full decision.

Home Skillet wasn't a bad story, but I couldn't help feeling like something was missing. I didn't get that sense of chemistry between the two MCs (Ben was a total pushover), and I didn't love the fact that Jimmy cut him off and married a woman, even though it was just an arrangement and not pretending to be love.

I also didn't quite get why it was set in the 90s. It didn't feel period enough to take me back, so why not just set it in the present? Huh...

The drama felt manufactured, the plot wasn't pulling me along... I didn't hate it, though. If anything, I felt sort of apathetic, which isn't a great sign either.

Being that I was a 90s teen I was really excited for this one but it missed the mark for multiple reasons.

-The main characters weren't likable. Jimmy was self-centered and Ben a pushover. -Character development was kind of lacking.-Their college friendship/relationship wasn't explained at all.-It was repetitive-OTT drama-All to be quickly resolved with a HEA. -This book was just plain rushed.

I've been in a huge book funk so maybe it's me, I don't know.

2 Stars.

ARC kindly provided by the authoBeing that I was a 90s teen I was really excited for this one but it missed the mark for multiple reasons.

-The main characters weren't likable. Jimmy was self-centered and Ben a pushover. -Character development was kind of lacking.-Their college friendship/relationship wasn't explained at all.-It was repetitive-OTT drama-All to be quickly resolved with a HEA. -This book was just plain rushed.

It's always a bummer when a book you're looking forward to doesn't hit any high marks. Couple of young and upcoming chefs looking for a second chance at love...flashing back to the 90's? Sounds great.I was certain this was going to be a great read for me. Sadly, I was wrong. My biggest problem? I didn't really like either of the guys. Ugh. That creates a problem.The first quarter of the book they both continue to remind us what jerks they are. "I'm such an asshole.""I'm a dick."I was an asshole.It's always a bummer when a book you're looking forward to doesn't hit any high marks. Couple of young and upcoming chefs looking for a second chance at love...flashing back to the 90's? Sounds great.I was certain this was going to be a great read for me. Sadly, I was wrong. My biggest problem? I didn't really like either of the guys. Ugh. That creates a problem.The first quarter of the book they both continue to remind us what jerks they are. "I'm such an asshole.""I'm a dick."I was an asshole.I can't even begin to tell you how many times they said this, but eventually I began to believe them. I also didn't understand or buy their college relationship. Were they experimenting? Were they friends with benefits? I don't really know. It was touched on superficially and I felt we needed more of a backstory.Then Jimmy and his...wife. Double ugh. Jimmy and his family? Even worse. Bryon the boss? Just no.I could continue to list my complaints but I'll bow out now. It did get better after the first half but not enough for me to enjoy it. I adore Ashwood's books...this didn't feel or sound like her. Could be her co-writer's contributions or simply this one just didn't work for me. There's always a book of two from your top authors that rate lower than usual. That could be the case here.Maybe it's just a me-not-you book.If you give it a go...wishing you better luck!

Quick Questionnaire:1. Does a cheeseburger with peanut butter on it entice you? 2. Were the 90's totally awesome, just like that music compilation of the same name that probably exists only on CD?3. Can you freakishly relate to the fiery hell that is working in restaurants? 4. Hot dudes - yay or nay?

If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, buy this m-fing book.

If you didn't answer yes to any of the above questions, re-evaluate your life choices while listening to Nirvana and The SQuick Questionnaire:1. Does a cheeseburger with peanut butter on it entice you? 2. Were the 90's totally awesome, just like that music compilation of the same name that probably exists only on CD?3. Can you freakishly relate to the fiery hell that is working in restaurants? 4. Hot dudes - yay or nay?

If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, buy this m-fing book.

If you didn't answer yes to any of the above questions, re-evaluate your life choices while listening to Nirvana and The Spice Girls on repeat. Side note: one year I was Sporty Spice for Halloween. What does that have to do with this review? Nothing, but now I'm googling Adidas track pants in mom sizes so I can relive my youth. I digress.

Truth: I don't normally love this "type" of book. No, I'm not talking about M/M, but I don't read a ton of that either. And honestly, I don't know why. Hot dudes? Yes. Double up on the hot dudes? Duh. Apparently this book just gave me some important insight into my reading habits so I'm adding a half star. Yes, I can do that. It's in my contract. (There is no contract.)

The "type" of book that I'm specifically referring to here is HEA romance. (Nobody go fact check the against my read books list. That list is a liar.) I'm normally more of the dark sketchy back alley story kind of girl. No, I don't know what that means, but it sounds like a thing. Or it sounds like I read books with low lighting, beer in paper sacks, questionable powdery substances, and dumpsters - solid possibility. Before I get this train any further off the tracks, that I can remember, this book contains minimal low lighting, zero brown paper bags and powdery substances, and only a few dumpsters. Fuck, back to the review.

This HEA Romance m/m book was good enough for me to finish in a day. It's a quick, light, breezy, foodie, yummy, read. If you couldn't tell from above, it appeals to the 90's child still curled up inside of me and the college student waiting tables to pay for textbooks. It's nostalgia.

It's not perfect, but if you are looking for a cute summer read with two hot second chance romance best friends at the center, this book will check those boxes. Worst case scenario, it will inspire you to create a 90's Spotify playlist and add a banana clip and scrunchie to your amazon shopping cart right next to those sweet sweet track pants. What I'm saying is, I'm actually not sure why you haven't pre-ordered this book already.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author(s). While they didn't specifically tell me to review it because they aren't dicks like that, it was certainly an option they wouldn't turn down. ...more

Home Skillet is a friends-to-lovers / second chances romance between two best friends. Ben and Jimmy are high school friends who used to be fuck buddies, but due to Jimmy's ambitious nature, he decided to stay in the closet and married a woman. Gasp! The more I read on mm romances, the more I have no patience for closet case. I just want to hit Jimmy repeatedly for being a total jerk to Ben. Granted that he didn't know Ben has feelings for him, I'm still mad on Ben's behalf.

On present day, JimmHome Skillet is a friends-to-lovers / second chances romance between two best friends. Ben and Jimmy are high school friends who used to be fuck buddies, but due to Jimmy's ambitious nature, he decided to stay in the closet and married a woman. Gasp! The more I read on mm romances, the more I have no patience for closet case. I just want to hit Jimmy repeatedly for being a total jerk to Ben. Granted that he didn't know Ben has feelings for him, I'm still mad on Ben's behalf.

On present day, Jimmy's marriage and career are in tatters and he ended up bunking with Ben while figuring out his next move. We know how close proximity will bring forth tons of issue. I have a lot of conflicting feels during the first half of the book. Ben is a bit of a doormat, though he tried not to succumb to Jimmy's charm. I assumed he had been through the wringer with Jimmy's life choices. But Ben do have some admirable traits, he stood by his best friend no matter what and never demand things from Jimmy. As for Jimmy, let just say I need some time to warm up to him.

By halfway point, I started to really enjoy the story as a whole. That was the turning point for Jimmy to finally owned up to his mistakes and embrace his true self. Granted he used to be an asshole, at least he redeemed himself in my eyes. In the end, I just want to see Ben's decade-long unrequited love is paid off. The ending is really sweet and perfect. ...more

This was enjoyable and pretty much exactly what I expect from Cate’s books, mostly.

I hate these kinds of reviews. Ugh. Just remember, I did like the book.

So yeah, I liked it, I just didn’t love it and unfortunately I felt a little lost while reading and the setting kept pulling me out of the story.

I graduated in 1992…I was 17. I was excited about the 1990s setting but ended up not loving that part of the book. It wasn’t too much, if anything sometimes I forgot it was the 90s, it just hurt my hThis was enjoyable and pretty much exactly what I expect from Cate’s books, mostly.

I hate these kinds of reviews. Ugh. Just remember, I did like the book.

So yeah, I liked it, I just didn’t love it and unfortunately I felt a little lost while reading and the setting kept pulling me out of the story.

I graduated in 1992…I was 17. I was excited about the 1990s setting but ended up not loving that part of the book. It wasn’t too much, if anything sometimes I forgot it was the 90s, it just hurt my heart because of how the world was then and every time I thought that I realized how far away the timing of this is and how far away we still are from acceptance. I dunno, I am the Queen of Denial and love living in my happy bubble. Seeing the hate/fear in this book just wasn’t fun for me.

Anyway…

Riddle me this Batman…Was Jimmy celibate for, well, was it 6-8 years? Their past relationship was very confusing to me. I don’t know if it was just not explained well or if the timing all ran together but I got the feeling once he got married that was it for him, right?

Also, Ben, well, he quit college to help his folks and then just continued on that path. Was he planning on also being a chef?

So, see? Confused. But, like I said, it was enjoyable confusion aside, once Jimmy got his head out of his ass and Ben took a chance I was really into it.

So, bottom line, if you are a Cate fan I think you will enjoy this one.

Normally this is when I tell you I will definitely read the next one but I just found out it is M/M/M which is totally not my thing so I don’t know if I’ll be continuing with the series or not. We’ll have to see.

**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**...more

Jimmy, the half-owner of an up and coming restaurant, life seems to be going well when his wife decides to pull the rug from under him. She announces that she is unhappy and wants a divorce. The thing about their marriage is that it was never for love, but, a deal they struck up at a young age in order to get to her trust fund. She was suppose to give him 10 years but instead only gave him 5. This change of plans has really thrown him for a loop. Filled with anger, he leaves her and his restauraJimmy, the half-owner of an up and coming restaurant, life seems to be going well when his wife decides to pull the rug from under him. She announces that she is unhappy and wants a divorce. The thing about their marriage is that it was never for love, but, a deal they struck up at a young age in order to get to her trust fund. She was suppose to give him 10 years but instead only gave him 5. This change of plans has really thrown him for a loop. Filled with anger, he leaves her and his restaurant behind. Leaving him broke and jobless. With nothing to his name he goes to the one person he has always been able to turn to, his best friend Ben.

This story was ok. It is a best friends to lovers type of story. However, I think the relationship between Ben and Jimmy needed a lot more background. The way it was put together left me with a lot of lingering questions. There was just too many wholes for me to love it....more

Take Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie (ignore the cover). The set-up: Dennie wants to land a make-or-break interview, Alec wants to catch a conman, they intersect at the same conference. What Crusie is brilliant at is structuring what happens next so that each scene is the natural and inevitable result of what's come before. Of course as part of getting the interview Dennie will seek out the conman, so of courI want to talk about lazy writing.

And the best way is to start with its opposite.

Take Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie (ignore the cover). The set-up: Dennie wants to land a make-or-break interview, Alec wants to catch a conman, they intersect at the same conference. What Crusie is brilliant at is structuring what happens next so that each scene is the natural and inevitable result of what's come before. Of course as part of getting the interview Dennie will seek out the conman, so of course Alec will think they are in cahoots, so naturally…

All Crusie appears to have done is to gently nudge the first two dominos and the conflict, relationship and resolution grow organically (and satisfyingly) from that. For bonus points, the writing is taut and funny too. I thoroughly recommend Crusie's blog where she writes illuminatingly about her approach to structure, both at a book and a chapter and a scene level. (Click here for a brilliant video version of Crusie's domino effect!)

Now let's look at Home Skillet. Plot summary - (view spoiler)[Jimmy breaks up with his friend-with-benefits, because he's got a chance to marry for money. When his wife divorces him, he can't think what to do with himself so drifts back to Ben. They drift into a relationship again (they don't talk about why Jimmy married). Ben's boss decides to give Jimmy a job. Jimmy and Ben loathe the boss. Jimmy thinks he might be gay. Around the 75% mark, Jimmy's brother (who hasn't featured in the book till now) shows his parents a picture of Jimmy kissing Ben (who took it? why?) which was printed in the papers (why? how did the brother find it? why does he dislike his brother?). His mother disowns Jimmy. Jimmy --who up to this point has chosen not to see or contact his mother for a year, and has let her find out about his divorce from the papers—Jimmy is distraught. Jimmy stops being distraught. His ex-wife gives him some money. Jimmy and Ben can have a future together. (hide spoiler)]Here, the characters have no agency: the plot is taken forwards by external forces (the wife, the brother, the boss). Jimmy and Ben are cardboard cut-outs, with no ambitions and only negative goals. The book is nothing more than a concatenation of small events held together with functional writing. I could be better entertained watching two raindrops meander down a window pane. This is lazy writing....more

At some point, in this decade, a closet case is sometimes irritated me a lot. especially when the main character had to married a woman for a business deal, and abandoned his feeling. Just like that.Jimmy pissed me off the moment he opened his mouth telling Ben, he's getting married, right after they're both had an orgasm. Eh?Can't find the right time the right place, Jimmy?

I liked the writing style, it flows real good. My main problem are both Jimmy and Ben. Jimmy for being a coward, and Ben fAt some point, in this decade, a closet case is sometimes irritated me a lot. especially when the main character had to married a woman for a business deal, and abandoned his feeling. Just like that.Jimmy pissed me off the moment he opened his mouth telling Ben, he's getting married, right after they're both had an orgasm. Eh?Can't find the right time the right place, Jimmy?

I liked the writing style, it flows real good. My main problem are both Jimmy and Ben. Jimmy for being a coward, and Ben for being weak. Too weak for Ben, in the name of love.I debated myself did I liked the story? Hmm...no idea. Did I liked the MCs? Ben, I liked, at least he's not a coward, and you know how I felt about Jimmy.Add to the picture, the homophobic parents, this is a typical 'old fashion' MM romance, and it's getting old.

I picked up Home Skillet because the blurb intrigued me. I enjoy stories about chefs, cooks, bakers, etc. Second chance love stores are great too. I had some pretty high expectations going in and I’m sorry to say, I was kind of disappointed. The writing style was good and the descriptions of locations were excellent. I could actually see the restaurants where the men worked in my mind. However, I just didn’t connect with James and Ben. In fact, I didn’t even likeA Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

I picked up Home Skillet because the blurb intrigued me. I enjoy stories about chefs, cooks, bakers, etc. Second chance love stores are great too. I had some pretty high expectations going in and I’m sorry to say, I was kind of disappointed. The writing style was good and the descriptions of locations were excellent. I could actually see the restaurants where the men worked in my mind. However, I just didn’t connect with James and Ben. In fact, I didn’t even like them very much through a good bit of the book.

Let me start with James. As I mentioned, he and Ben had been best friends and lovers, until one night, during the post sex cuddle, James breaks it to Ben that this would be the last time they could do this. He was going to marry Jenna, another friend of theirs. It’s here I’ll tell you James is definitely gay, and there is no cheating in this book. Anyway, I found him to be selfish, putting his desire to be the executive chef of his own restaurant over the love he and Ben shared. On top of that, after he loses everything, the first person James calls is Ben, and he expected him to just drop everything to let him come over. He wallowed in self pity until he got a job and even invited himself along when Ben wanted to get out and let off steam.

I wasn’t so sure about this story at first, well, actually not really the story because the blurb sounded awesome, and I loved Ben from the get go, it was Jimmy I wasn’t so sure about. Ben was sweet and so confident in his sexuality, something that in the mid-late 90’s, in a town filled with mostly close-minded conservatives, was so brave. My heart broke for him when Jimmy told him he was going to marry Jenna and I can’t imagine the hurt he felt watching the love of his life marry someo4.5 Stars

I wasn’t so sure about this story at first, well, actually not really the story because the blurb sounded awesome, and I loved Ben from the get go, it was Jimmy I wasn’t so sure about. Ben was sweet and so confident in his sexuality, something that in the mid-late 90’s, in a town filled with mostly close-minded conservatives, was so brave. My heart broke for him when Jimmy told him he was going to marry Jenna and I can’t imagine the hurt he felt watching the love of his life marry someone else, whether it was a sham of a marriage or not.

Now Jimmy, he was another story altogether. I really disliked him in the beginning, but as I got to know him better and watched him admit who he was and what, or rather who, he wanted, well, I was so proud of him and I fell in love with him.

Together, Ben and Jimmy were sweet, loving and passionate. They fit together perfectly and I loved watching the love they shared grow and strengthen to something powerful and all-consuming. Something that will stand the test of time and society's harshness.

This story was sweet and sexy and everything I have come to love about Cate Ashwood’s writing. It was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book two! Highly recommended!!

I recently read my first book by Miss Ashwood and enjoyed it quite a bit. When I saw this novella co-written by Miss Ashwood and a new author, Miss Damien, I knew I had to try it. Even better, it incorporates cooking (which I love to watch, read about, and do myself). Home Skillet proved to be a fast, enjoyable novella that read a little like a second chance romance, a little like a friends-to-lovers story, but focused more on accepting yourself and following your3.5 stars- Easy, enjoyable read

I recently read my first book by Miss Ashwood and enjoyed it quite a bit. When I saw this novella co-written by Miss Ashwood and a new author, Miss Damien, I knew I had to try it. Even better, it incorporates cooking (which I love to watch, read about, and do myself). Home Skillet proved to be a fast, enjoyable novella that read a little like a second chance romance, a little like a friends-to-lovers story, but focused more on accepting yourself and following your heart and passion.

Home Skillet opens with a prologue that surprised me a little, immediately making me feel for Ben and wish the best for him. I had a more difficult time connecting with James, in part due to the prologue, but also because he seemed to have considerably less depth than Ben’s character, especially at first. However, I did like how much he developed over the course of the story and I genuinely liked the men as a couple and wanted to see them work. It was an interesting twist of events that steered these best friends back into something more; and while I’ll admit some of the conflicts and resolutions were frustrating or a bit too easy of a fix, given the intensity of the bond between Ben and James, it was understandable. Was Home Skillet perfect, no. I wish I had more background and development in a few areas of the characters’ development and the relationship, but I also had a hard time stepping away from their story. The writing was fluid and the dialogue kept the pace moving, making this an easy afternoon read I was happy to get lost in. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from these authors and this series in particular.

*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*...more

I'm really loving second-chance romances at the moment, I think there's something tangibly real about rekindling and reestablishing first love and then turning that into an HEA. Throw in a 90's setting (which is a throwback to my glory days of first loves and regrets), add in two men who have come to a time in their lives where being there for each other has never been so important and basically you can just take all my money...

This is an enjoyable MM romance that not only made me hungry (chefI'm really loving second-chance romances at the moment, I think there's something tangibly real about rekindling and reestablishing first love and then turning that into an HEA. Throw in a 90's setting (which is a throwback to my glory days of first loves and regrets), add in two men who have come to a time in their lives where being there for each other has never been so important and basically you can just take all my money...

This is an enjoyable MM romance that not only made me hungry (chefs!) but also had me cheering along as Ben and Jimmy's relationship finally blossomed to fully-realized love. I liked how the authors captured the difference between being out (Ben) and being trapped in the closet (Jimmy) and the pressures both men felt to be true to who you either are or are expected to be.

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach but in this case, that's not quite true; sometimes it takes time, self-reglection, sacrifice and more than a touch of bravery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to see more collabs between these two authors.

Oh, and I'm totally going to attempt to make the gnocchi using Jimmy's recipe!...more

There’s something about a second chance romance that’s just extremely satisfying to me as a reader. It’s finally getting that happy ending that should have happened the first time around if not for whatever circumstances happened at that time.The hard part is the awkwardness of getting there the second time around—something that was painfully obvious for Ben and Jimmy. The fact that they were best friends before they hooked up that first time, and still really are helps to complicate things evenThere’s something about a second chance romance that’s just extremely satisfying to me as a reader. It’s finally getting that happy ending that should have happened the first time around if not for whatever circumstances happened at that time.The hard part is the awkwardness of getting there the second time around—something that was painfully obvious for Ben and Jimmy. The fact that they were best friends before they hooked up that first time, and still really are helps to complicate things even more.

Jimmy’s situation is a common one—religious parents and a family he hasn’t come out to and a “beard” marriage that suits both him and his wife…until it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, he goes to the one person who really doesn’t want him to come crashing back into his life—Ben. There’s a lot of friction between them, though Jimmy seems somewhat oblivious to the reason why—even though it’s crystal clear to Ben and anyone reading the story.

As far as Jimmy goes, I wasn’t too enthused with his character for about the first half of the book. Once he got his head out of his butt, I became a bit more comfortable with him. Ben is a bit of a pushover when it comes to Jimmy since he’s never stopped loving him, but once the second half of the book kicked in, this actually starts turning into Ben being incredibly supportive of Jimmy—particularly when it comes to Jimmy’s family.

Jimmy’s wife is one supporting character that I started out with a not-so-nice opinion of at the beginning, and I was harboring quite a bit of ill will towards her for much of the book. It’s amazing how one scene placed at just the right moment can sharply impact how I view a character…though I’m not going to say just how my opinion was impacting or when it happened (yep, teasing I know).

Home Skillet was a good read, with the second half of the book making up for the awkwardness of the first half. Overall it was a 4-star read for me, and I’ll definitely be continuing on with the series. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content....more

Home Skillet is a second-chance, finding yourself kind of story! Ben and Jimmy have been best friends for years but in the last five or so years they’ve drifted a part a bit. Ben has always known who he is and doesn’t hide it, he’s also been in love with Jimmy for pretty much as long as he’s known him. Jimmy has always known who he was professionally, but personally – he’s been hiding that. He has spent the last 5 years in a marriage that looks good on paper, but there’s no real lov3.5 – 4 Stars

Home Skillet is a second-chance, finding yourself kind of story! Ben and Jimmy have been best friends for years but in the last five or so years they’ve drifted a part a bit. Ben has always known who he is and doesn’t hide it, he’s also been in love with Jimmy for pretty much as long as he’s known him. Jimmy has always known who he was professionally, but personally – he’s been hiding that. He has spent the last 5 years in a marriage that looks good on paper, but there’s no real love between him and his wife. It’s more of a business relationship, and when she decides she’s done Jimmy is left with nothing. He calls Ben looking for help, and of course Ben is there for him, but everything between these two is about to change. Jimmy has to figure out who he really is and Ben has to finally admit his feelings.

Jimmy, Jimmy, let’s be honest, he’s a bit of a hot mess! Professionally and personally he really doesn’t know what to do with himself and I can understand why it made Ben a bit crazy. I really liked Ben, I thought he had such a great heart and it’s clear it’s always belonged to Jimmy. I enjoyed watching these two figure it out together, it’s not always easy but Jimmy really does learn how to finally be himself, and to love Ben like he’s always deserved. Ben is a rock, I loved how he supports Jimmy through the tough times and shows him that he’s been there all along and isn’t going anywhere.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and the food, a lot of the moments at Bucks made me laugh/cringe picturing that restaurant. I really liked the way this story came together and felt like the end was perfect for these two! I’m definitely looking forward to more of this series!...more

Ben and Jimmy basically grew up together and were best friends. They were also each other’s many firsts. Living together during culinary school had Ben dreaming of a shared future together, until he was forced to take a break from his studies.

Then Jimmy decided to get married. To a woman.

When he’s lived his dream for more than 5 years, everything is crumbling down on Jimmy, and he’s back in Ben’s arms.

This is the story in a nutshell, but it’s not all clean cut as I’ve described it. There’s a lotBen and Jimmy basically grew up together and were best friends. They were also each other’s many firsts. Living together during culinary school had Ben dreaming of a shared future together, until he was forced to take a break from his studies.

Then Jimmy decided to get married. To a woman.

When he’s lived his dream for more than 5 years, everything is crumbling down on Jimmy, and he’s back in Ben’s arms.

This is the story in a nutshell, but it’s not all clean cut as I’ve described it. There’s a lot to fill in, in between the hard facts of the story. All those details make the story a compelling, interesting and so so sweet.

I enjoyed this collaboration of Ashwood & Damien more than any of Ashwood’s previous collabs.

Grab Home Skillet if you want a jump back to the 90’s, NYC/Jersey world, when homosexuality wasn’t as accepted as it is today. Home Skillet is sweet, no bullshit story of two best friends and lovers who get a second chance and embrace it with all the drama and the angst involved....more

I enjoyed this fairly- although I do feel it could have been much better.

The pace was a bit all over the place,and I do wish I could have had a better feel of the friendship that meant so much for the characters. They were interesting enough, but it was all a bit lukewarm in my opinion. I didn't particularly love the drama either.

On the upside, the whole culinary aspect was enjoyable- and I really liked that this was primarily set in the 90's. The general feel of the decade was there, but I doI enjoyed this fairly- although I do feel it could have been much better.

The pace was a bit all over the place,and I do wish I could have had a better feel of the friendship that meant so much for the characters. They were interesting enough, but it was all a bit lukewarm in my opinion. I didn't particularly love the drama either.

On the upside, the whole culinary aspect was enjoyable- and I really liked that this was primarily set in the 90's. The general feel of the decade was there, but I do believe if it had been more pronounced I would have enjoyed it even more. There were still some aspects of it all that sounded way too XXI century.

All in all, the author's heart was in the right place, but the direction could have been better.

I love second chance romances and Home Skillet ticked all the boxes there. James and Ben have been best friends for, well, pretty much ever and I could easily feel their connection in the writing. The story is told in alternating POV’s, which is good because the two of them have very different styles of communication and I don’t think they would have been as well fleshed out as they were with just one side of the story. Especially with James. If I hadn’t had his perspective I would have been wayI love second chance romances and Home Skillet ticked all the boxes there. James and Ben have been best friends for, well, pretty much ever and I could easily feel their connection in the writing. The story is told in alternating POV’s, which is good because the two of them have very different styles of communication and I don’t think they would have been as well fleshed out as they were with just one side of the story. Especially with James. If I hadn’t had his perspective I would have been way fussier with him than I kind of already was.

Both Ben and James work in the culinary world and while it could be said that James works in the culinary arts it could also be said that Ben has a job in a kitchen. James is passionate about his career and sacrificed Ben for that passion. I didn’t like that. I understood it, but that didn’t mean I had to be on board with it. James and Ben were bone buddies from way back and James ended that so he could marry a woman and further his career. He and his wife had a business transaction, nothing more and frankly, I just can’t wrap my romance-loving-brain around it.

Ben was in love with James since forever and it was just plain sad to read his perspective a lot of the times. Dude had it bad and James was all about James. Right up until he lost it all and had to get his proverbial house in order. I think that’s where my issue was. James changed because he had to, not because of some innate desire to connect with another human outside of a kitchen, and that too made me sad.

Ben was snarky, funny and charming. I liked him even if his self deprecation was a little much at times. When James (Jimmy, to Ben) left, Ben put his life on hiatus and lived from paycheck to paycheck, hating his boss and one-night-standing his way through the gay clubs in town. So, on his side it made me wonder, what would have happened to him if Jimmy wouldn’t have come home to him because he needed a place to crash? Would he have still been a miserable job zombie or would he have finally grown up and become something better for himself?

I loved the premise for this story and the characters were flawed but had hope. Part of what I love about second chance stories is the inevitability of the relationship and that was the one thing that was missing in Home Skillet for me. Ben and Jimmy were back together because of the life path Jimmy’s wife chose, not because the two of them finally got their shit together. Good on her, but shame and damn on the two of them (mostly Jimmy TBH).

I wanted to tell Ben to get off his ass and get himself some happy for his own well being and to slap some sense into Jimmy for being a selfish prick for so many years. BUT, all that ranting being said, the two of them do belong together and while I may be bitter and bitchy about Jimmy’s early life choices, I was pretty happy that they ended up together with a solid HEA.

I have to admit, this week’s book was a total and utter joy. It’s the first one in quite a while that I read purely by choice rather than as part of my helping-my-fellow-authors-get-their-words-seen-and-loved outreach program. 😄

Which basically means, this was a pleasure read that truly ended up being just that: a total delight. In fact, I downloaded this bad boy on my Kindle with the goal of reading a chapter here and there when I had the time. Next thing I knew, late morning had turned into eaI have to admit, this week’s book was a total and utter joy. It’s the first one in quite a while that I read purely by choice rather than as part of my helping-my-fellow-authors-get-their-words-seen-and-loved outreach program. 😄

Which basically means, this was a pleasure read that truly ended up being just that: a total delight. In fact, I downloaded this bad boy on my Kindle with the goal of reading a chapter here and there when I had the time. Next thing I knew, late morning had turned into early evening and I had devoured the whole thing. In one sitting. Yeah, Home Skillet by Cate Ashwood & Sandra Damien is one of those books. The kind you get sucked into and forget to eat, or sleep, or relieve your bladder.

Not that I’m complaining. Because, like I said, this was 100% up my alley, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Obviously, for those of you who know anything about me, my forte is gay, male/male romance. That’s what I write, and that’s what I love. That doesn’t mean I can’t and don’t read many other genres—and more often than not quite love what I read because, hi, word love all around, am I right?—but this book totally scratched my itch for some hot man-on-man love action.

The plot itself is based on a trope—they exist for a reason, folks… because people love ‘em!—but it’s done in a refreshing and unique way. Yes, there’s a closeted gay man who’s in love with his best friend, and, yes, said closeted gay man goes to the extremes of marrying a straight woman to hide who he really is both from himself and the world. But that’s kind of where the super tropey nature ends.

I fell for Ben right from the start. His character is strong, his personality distinct, and his heart bigger than most. He isn’t ashamed of who he is, and he isn’t ashamed of who he loves. However, he doesn’t hate Jimmy for being unable to travel that same path, and instead, he loves from afar and suffers the repercussions in silence, all the while remaining an amazing, supportive, and always-there-for-you kinda best friend. But on top of all that, I also adore how down-to-Earth and real he is. He works a somewhat dead-end job, but does so with pride and dedication, and he lives in a somewhat crap-apartment, yet turns it into a home. He isn’t money hungry, nor does he seek more from life than what matters most: happiness, love, and family (whether that family shares his DNA or not).

And Jimmy? Oh, folks, you’ll adore him too. He’s a professional chef with a world of skill, yet he respects the roles those beneath him play and strives to make the best of himself without harming others. Yes, he’s hiding from who he is, but that doesn’t make him weak. On the contrary, as the wise and sage Ben so beautifully put it:

“I KNOW IT MIGHT NOT SEEM LIKE IT RIGHT NOW, BUT BEING WHO YOU ARE INSTEAD OF HIDING… IT’S SO MUCH EASIER.”

I absolutely adore Ben and Jimmy’s story. They face countless difficulties in their path to finding and owning their love, but they are genuine, believable, and heartbreakingly honest. Even though I knew they’d wind up together in the end—thank goodness for small favors with the expectations of romance, am I right?—I still found myself biting my lip and frowning into my Kindle as little bubbles of unease worked their way into my system. I knew they’d get past the hurdles they faced but watching them from my readerly perch of uselessness had me tense and thoroughly invested. Which, of course, made the resultant pay-out that much sweeter.

Plus, let’s be honest here… the sex scenes were hot. 🔥 Not quite erotica level, but descriptive and beautifully intense, both emotionally and physically.

Overall, this is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters are relatable and distinct; the plot is tropey yet unique; and the authors will leave you with a big ol’ happy grin on your face. What more can you honestly ask for?...more

This book took me by surprise - in a good way! James and Ben have been best friends for so long, but what happens when one falls in love and the other refuses to admit his truth and believes he must live as a straight man to succeed?

As I am sure you can imagine, the struggle is real with this one. Ben's hurt was so palpable, it was painful to read. And while I (reluctantly) somewhat understand James' thought process, I also thought he was wrong. Man, I wanted to slap some sense into him severalThis book took me by surprise - in a good way! James and Ben have been best friends for so long, but what happens when one falls in love and the other refuses to admit his truth and believes he must live as a straight man to succeed?

As I am sure you can imagine, the struggle is real with this one. Ben's hurt was so palpable, it was painful to read. And while I (reluctantly) somewhat understand James' thought process, I also thought he was wrong. Man, I wanted to slap some sense into him several times. But at the same time, I know how badly he was struggling.. so I eventually wanted to hug him instead. Both of these men are imperfect men who sometimes make mistakes, but they are stronger together.. and thankfully realize that eventually. This best friends to lovers story is about learning to accept yourself, the struggle to live openly and honestly, and discovering that unconditional love really does make you stronger. And I *loved* the ending of this book, guys. Like.. a lot.

Ben and James are so damn sweet together once they get to that point, and I could not help but fall in love with their love. They also have serious chemistry - so hot! I also really loved the 90s setting. I think the authors handled the time period and the struggles gay men faced then realistically and effectively. I was excited to realize this is actually the start of a series, and am so eager for the rest of the stories!...more

Jimmy and Ben are best friends since high school. Jimmy moves on and marries a woman to further his career which works for a few years... until it doesn't.Benny has been in love with Jimmy for nearly 10 years.Jimmy seemed a little (ok, a lot) stuck up about food & cooking, only wanting the best of the best."But if I couldn't work in the upper echelon of the culinary world, what was the point at all? The thought of working at anything less gave me hives."Ben struggles with having Jimmy in hisJimmy and Ben are best friends since high school. Jimmy moves on and marries a woman to further his career which works for a few years... until it doesn't.Benny has been in love with Jimmy for nearly 10 years.Jimmy seemed a little (ok, a lot) stuck up about food & cooking, only wanting the best of the best."But if I couldn't work in the upper echelon of the culinary world, what was the point at all? The thought of working at anything less gave me hives."Ben struggles with having Jimmy in his space and having all of his unrequited feelings surface again."My head was at war with my heart, and it seems as though the general leading the army was my dick."I though this was an ok read, it follows the up's and downs of their life on the way to success. Jimmy's a tool which for me made it harder to like the story too much....more

When the one you're still hopelessly in love with is the one that got away and they turns to you when their life is falling apart, what should you do? The logical answer is to set appropriate emotional boundaries and be there for them but to keep your distance. But I know of no one who would be logical in this instance. There's always that part of you that hopes that this time you'll be appreciated, this time they'll truly see, this time... And yet all the hoping in the world is just bound to geWhen the one you're still hopelessly in love with is the one that got away and they turns to you when their life is falling apart, what should you do? The logical answer is to set appropriate emotional boundaries and be there for them but to keep your distance. But I know of no one who would be logical in this instance. There's always that part of you that hopes that this time you'll be appreciated, this time they'll truly see, this time... And yet all the hoping in the world is just bound to get you more heartache and confusion.

Ben and Jimmy are in this terribly dysfunctional relationship that masquerades as friendship. Jimmy gave up more than just a best friend when he chose to live his life in Manhattan the way he had and almost to the very end of the story I found him utterly selfish. There's no nice way to call him a user and I'm sure so many people will read this story and see him as a scared man, an emotionally fragile man who just had his dreams of a future crushed and so he turns to the one person he could count on. What they're not seeing is that Jimmy has only ever been protective of was himself.

Yes, he had the horrible misfortune of having homophobic parents. My issue, though, isn't with his sexuality, coming out, or even his choice to marry a woman. My issue is that Jimmy uses Ben under the guise of teenage hormones and familiarity, uses Jenna for her connections and wealth, and uses Ben again when his life goes to shit. His patterns of behavior are disappointing and reprehensible. I also wished that he did more to convince Ben of his feelings, did a lot of groveling, and voiced his sudden realization. Ben may not have needed that, but I certainly did.

There is good to him. I do like that when he finally wises up and opens his eyes to everything he gave up when he dumped Ben he sees just how amazing Ben is and focuses on encouraging him, supporting him, and becomes unwilling to deny what they're building. His words to Ben at the end with his surprise were heartfelt and honest. I enjoy that he finally understands how essential Ben is to a happy, fulfilling life. He was lucky that the woman he married was Jenna because, while we have our doubts about her in the beginning, her strength and compassion later on showed us that he does actually have good taste in friends.

Ben was probably awesome. And I did like him quite a bit more than Jimmy. But most of the story shows him being a self-deprecating man in love with his former best friend and just can't get over it. I'm not shaming a decade-long unrequited love situation. I'm just expressing disappointment in Ben's choice to be a pushover. His choice to help his family instead of continue with school got him stuck in a rut that he couldn't see a way out of. He slowly sucked the life out of his own soul and the only good part of him is tied to the one man he should move on from. It's an unfortunate situation that ultimately ends well but is still sad to read before he gets his happiness.

So it's clear that I have some frustrations and disappointments with the characters. Truth. I also didn't really enjoy that the setting felt more like a place-holder and not really used to their advantage. The story was slow to move to anything really great between them and yet the entire thing felt rushed. Lots of surface stops and a whole heaping amount of angsty inner dialogue. The steam, however, once they got it on, was quite nice. I adored the proposal situation and thought it fit the men and the story. And even though my review seems terribly negative, which it kind of is, I didn't hate the book. I think this suffered from a slightly inattentive group of or individual proofreader that got caught up in what they hoped for the book rather than what was on the page.

I kept reminding myself throughout reading that the majority of the book was set in late 90s. So as current as the situation might feel, on queer issue people were not as open and tolerable as now (not that there aren’t bigot IRL nowadays still, but that’s another topic!). So in a way, Jamie’s reluctant to come out - while grated on my nerves - were understandable. But boy did I feel for Ben; after all those years, after the heartbreak, to still carry a torch for your best friend an3 - 3.5 stars

I kept reminding myself throughout reading that the majority of the book was set in late 90s. So as current as the situation might feel, on queer issue people were not as open and tolerable as now (not that there aren’t bigot IRL nowadays still, but that’s another topic!). So in a way, Jamie’s reluctant to come out - while grated on my nerves - were understandable. But boy did I feel for Ben; after all those years, after the heartbreak, to still carry a torch for your best friend and kept mum about it...

The story narrated alternately from Ben and Jamie’s POV clued in on the turmoil both men went through. As understanding as I was trying over Jamie’s predicament, his obliviousness really annoyed me. As a friend - a “best” friend even - he failed spectacularly. Not that Ben didn’t have his own shortcomings, such as his lack of self confidence in his own ability, but as friend and colleague he’s a decent guy. Heck, way beyond!

I’m still not sure whether this series would follow Ben and Jamie’s journey each step of the way or taking on different pair of characters on each installment. However, as the first entry in a new series, “Home Skillet” left many potential to take on. It’s essentially a new beginning for childhood friend Ben and Jamie; revealing the changing in their relationship and the men’s character’s development. It was a bit raunchy to my liking and I was torn between dislike and respect for Jamie’s ex (and supposedly his other best friend) but then again, in hindsight, the story wouldn’t have happened without her complicity from the start.

So in a nutshell, this book was bit exhausting for me to read - having to witness (and endure) grief after grief the the characters’ did; but it’s also a sweet and rewarding second chance between two former best mates. Rather a nice introduction to Sandra Damien’s writing though “Home Skillet” being a collaboration with Cate Ashwood and me liking the later’s style might go a long way for this book to work for me. Bring on the next installment!!

Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review....more

I enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but in this case I felt like too much was glossed over in favor of moving the story forward weeks, months and even years. Likely this just comes down to personal preference, but I would rather enjoy a longer book and understand the whys and hows, rather than read sentences like "the weeks/months flew by" and be left with no real idea of how certain issues were seemingly resolved easy peasy.

When the story starts we see Ben get hi3.5 stars

I enjoyed this book. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but in this case I felt like too much was glossed over in favor of moving the story forward weeks, months and even years. Likely this just comes down to personal preference, but I would rather enjoy a longer book and understand the whys and hows, rather than read sentences like "the weeks/months flew by" and be left with no real idea of how certain issues were seemingly resolved easy peasy.

When the story starts we see Ben get his heart broken as Jimmy walks away from their shared apartment, and shared life, to pursue what he thinks is his best chance at achieving success in the culinary world. Admittedly, I had to remind myself that it wasn't present day- it's set in the land of beepers- so I didn't instantly feel like Jimmy was being utterly ridiculous. Granted, I still felt he was completely misguided but I can understand how he might have come to feel that way during the climate of the early 90's.

Six years later though, it all goes to crap and Jimmy is back in Ben's life and back to sharing an apartment. Despite their friendship being strained, Ben is forced to face the fact that he never moved on, never really tried to, and is still desperately in love with Jimmy. In turn, Jimmy happily keeps his head firmly in the sand. However, he does peek out here and there with flashes of jealously and desire.

Of course, their attraction to one another finally pulls them back together and they go on to collaborate on the opening of their own culinary institute and experience a truly happily ever after.

Yep, that's it...

Well that's how I felt. Of course, there are some issues that get delved into a little bit; like the issues with Jimmy's family and previous relationship, but basically I felt like we were given conflict without seeing the real resolution. It was a case of all tell and no show.

All in all, I did enjoy this book and it was successful in hooking me to see what comes about with the continuation of the series.

3.5 Stars... I was really excited about the premise of this book and how it was set in the 90's. But there wasn't a whole lot about the 90's culture being mentioned in the book which was a little disappointing. I am also usually a Huge Cate Ashwood fan (I have all her books) but this book did not fully hit the mark for me. I'm sure it was more about Me disliking the characters than the actual book itself though. The book and storyline were good and flowed at a decent pace giving these guys a sec3.5 Stars... I was really excited about the premise of this book and how it was set in the 90's. But there wasn't a whole lot about the 90's culture being mentioned in the book which was a little disappointing. I am also usually a Huge Cate Ashwood fan (I have all her books) but this book did not fully hit the mark for me. I'm sure it was more about Me disliking the characters than the actual book itself though. The book and storyline were good and flowed at a decent pace giving these guys a second chance to make their friendship and relationship work out.. James and Ben were friends since middle/high school who went their separate ways after James ends up getting married to a (girl)friend, totally leaving Ben in the dust, seemingly not knowing what really happened. After a few years James's marriage and Career dissolves and he comes running back to Ben expecting him to drop everything to help him out of the situation. I really, totally hated James/Jimmy for almost the entire book. There was just something about his character and the way he was written that make him not likeable, and he didn't have many redeeming qualities, even closer towards the end nothing he did really made up for the crappy decisions he made and the horrible treatment of Ben in this book. And Poor Ben, he really puts up with way more than he should have from Jimmy. They're supposed to be friends but it seemed really one sided, for years until James pulled his head out of his butt. I did like the angst between the characters and their feelings and I really wanted more drama between James & his family when he was forced out, how that all went down was pretty horrible. And I'm sure I would have felt worse for James if he wasn't such a douche canoe in the rest of the book. I really wanted to love this book, but it was really just ok. I do however really like the cover and book title, whoever designed the cover of this book did a great job. Even with my dislike of these characters I am still interested in seeing where this series is headed next....more

I am so happy to have discovered Home Skillet by Cate Ashwood and Sandra Damien. It is a wonderful, sweet surprise.

Past decisions are not always the right decision. Does one learn from their mistakes or stay on their current path?

James and Ben are best friends, who also have added some benefits to their friendship. But James leaves, to get married and pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. When he suddenly finds that his wife wants a divorce, he runs back to his hometown, where Ben allows himI am so happy to have discovered Home Skillet by Cate Ashwood and Sandra Damien. It is a wonderful, sweet surprise.

Past decisions are not always the right decision. Does one learn from their mistakes or stay on their current path?

James and Ben are best friends, who also have added some benefits to their friendship. But James leaves, to get married and pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. When he suddenly finds that his wife wants a divorce, he runs back to his hometown, where Ben allows him to move in temporarily, even at the risk of his own sanity.

I love and adore Friends to Lovers stories. This one holds up. There are some twists and turns along the way. It definitely deviates from the normal storyline of a friends to lovers book, which is refreshing. I find it to be well written, with a light and fast style, a great plotline and some fantastic men!

James and Ben are super together. Unfortunately James struggles with being out. As the story takes place 20 years ago, this addition to the story is even more relevant. At first, we have no clue why James makes the decisions that he does, but in time, it all makes sense.

In the end, their relationship is fantastic. I love that they are able to pursue their dreams together and support each other emotionally. They are truly a meant-to-be-together couple.

Cate Ashwood and Sandra Damien both do a fantastic job with Home Skillet.Be sure to check it out....more

Cate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in White Rock, B.C, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the ocean. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, herCate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in White Rock, B.C, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the ocean. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats. ...more